Proverbs15

Proverbs 15 emphasizes the profound impact of speech, contrasting soft answers that turn away wrath with grievous words that stir anger. It highlights the distinction between the wise, who use knowledge aright and seek understanding, and fools, who pour out foolishness and despise instruction. The chapter also asserts the LORD's omnipresence, beholding both good and evil, and His favor towards the righteous while abhorring the wicked.

The Power of Gentle and Grievous Words

1
A gentle response deflects fury, but a harsh word makes tempers rise. ​
2
The tongue of the wise presents knowledge well, but the mouth of a fool spews out folly.
3
The eyes of ADONAI are everywhere, watching the evil and the good. ​
4
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but when it twists things, it breaks the spirit. ​
5
A fool despises his father's discipline, but he who heeds warnings is prudent.
6
The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

God’s Preference for Righteousness

8
ADONAI detests the sacrifices of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the upright. ​
9
ADONAI detests the way of the wicked but loves anyone who pursues righteousness.
10
Discipline is severe for one who leaves the way, and whoever can't stand correction will die.
11
Sh'ol and Abaddon lie open to ADONAI; so how much more people's hearts! ​
12
A scorner does not like being corrected; he won't go to the wise [for advice].

Attitude and Emotional Health

13
A glad heart makes a face happy, but heartache breaks the spirit. ​
14
The mind of a person with discernment seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
15
For the poor, every day is hard; but the good-hearted have a perpetual feast. ​

Contentment Over Material Wealth

16
Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry. ​
17
Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall-fattened ox with hate. ​
18
Hot-tempered people stir up strife, but patient people quiet quarrels.
19
The lazy person's way seems overgrown by thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. ​

The Importance of Counsel and Diligence

20
A wise son is a joy to his father, and only a fool despises his mother.
21
Folly appeals to one who lacks sense, but a person of discernment goes straight ahead.
22
Without deliberation, plans go wrong; but with many advisers, they succeed. ​
23
People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is! ​
24
For the prudent, the path of life goes upward; thus he avoids Sh'ol below. ​

God’s Judgment and Protection

25
ADONAI will pull down the houses of the proud, but preserves intact the widow's boundaries. ​
26
ADONAI detests plans to do evil, but kind words are pure.
27
The greedy for gain brings trouble to his home, but he who hates bribes will live. ​
28
The mind of the righteous thinks before speaking, but the mouth of the wicked spews out evil stuff. ​
29
ADONAI is far from the wicked, but he listens to the prayer of the righteous.

The Light of Joy and Instruction

30
A cheerful glance brings joy to the heart, and good news invigorates the bones. ​
31
He who heeds life-giving correction will be at home in the company of the wise.
32
He who spurns discipline detests himself, but he who listens to correction grows in understanding. ​
33
The discipline of wisdom is fear of ADONAI, so before being honored, a person must be humble. ​

Study Notes for Proverbs 15

Verse 1

The 'soft answer' (Heb. ma'aneh rakh) is a gentle, well-thought-out reply, emphasizing that effective communication often requires humility and control, not just speaking the truth.

Verse 3

This verse establishes God's absolute omniscience ('the eyes of the LORD are in every place'), serving as the theological foundation for why moral behavior—both good and evil—matters.

Verse 4

A 'wholesome tongue' (a tongue of healing or remedy) is likened to the 'tree of life,' symbolizing vitality and restoration, contrasting sharply with the destructive power of perverse speech.

Verse 8

This proverb clarifies that outward religious acts (sacrifices) are worthless if the heart is wicked; God prefers the sincere, heartfelt communication (prayer) of the upright over mere ritual observance.

Verse 11

Sheol (Hell) and Abaddon (Destruction, the deepest parts of the underworld) are fully exposed to God. If He sees the unseen realms of death, He certainly scrutinizes the hidden motives ('hearts') of men.

Verse 13

Proverbs emphasizes the psychosomatic connection: inner joy produces outward cheerfulness, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being for spiritual and physical health.

Verse 15

This contrast shows that happiness is not dependent on external prosperity (affliction) but on one’s internal disposition and perspective ('a merry heart').

Verse 16

Fear of the Lord (reverent obedience) is presented as the greatest asset, providing security and peace that cannot be matched by vast, anxiety-ridden wealth.

Verse 17

This proverb elevates love and communal harmony above luxury. A simple meal shared in peace is superior to a lavish banquet (stalled ox) marred by hatred and strife.

Verse 19

The 'hedge of thorns' illustrates the difficulty and frustration experienced by the lazy person, whose lack of effort creates self-imposed obstacles, while the diligent finds a clear path.

Verse 22

This highlights the practical value of seeking multiple, diverse perspectives (multitude of counsellors) to ensure plans are robust, well-vetted, and successfully fulfilled.

Verse 23

Joy comes not just from speaking, but from speaking appropriately ('in due season'). Timeliness and relevance are key components of wise communication.

Verse 24

The 'way of life is above' suggests that the path of wisdom is upward-looking, leading away from the destructive paths of Sheol (hell beneath).

Verse 25

This illustrates God’s role as the defender of the vulnerable (the widow) and the punisher of the arrogant (the proud), demonstrating His commitment to social equity.

Verse 27

Greed for illicit gain (often through bribery or unjust means) brings turmoil to one’s household, emphasizing the devastating family impact of unethical choices.

Verse 28

The wise person 'studies' or meditates before answering, reflecting careful deliberation, while the wicked speak carelessly and impulsively.

Verse 30

'Light of the eyes' refers to pleasant news or positive stimulation, which brings inner joy ('rejoiceth the heart') and physical health ('maketh the bones fat,' symbolizing vitality).

Verse 32

To refuse instruction is self-destructive ('despiseth his own soul'). The proverb connects accepting correction directly with gaining practical understanding (tēbûnâh).

Verse 33

This concluding verse serves as a summary principle: the foundation of all wisdom is the 'fear of the LORD,' and humility is the necessary prerequisite for receiving honor and true elevation.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options